England captain Leah Williamson ruled out of Wembley clash with USA after picking up ankle injury

England captain Leah Williamson has been ruled out of Friday’s Wembley showdown with the USA after picking up an ankle injury in training.

The defender will also miss the friendly with the Czech Republic next Tuesday and will return to Arsenal to undergo further assessment.

Williamson’s injury is huge a blow for Sarina Wiegman, who also lost striker Alessia Russo to injury on Monday.

England captain Leah Williamson has been ruled out of Friday’s showdown with the USA

Russo missed Manchester United’s Continental League Cup match with Aston Villa on Saturday but her injury is not thought to be serious.

Both Russo and Williamson played huge roles in the Lionesses victory at Euro 2022 and will make the task of beating the USA much tougher.

Williamson’s injury will also come as a concern for Arsenal. The centre back is a key player for the Gunners and has started every game this season.

Lucy Parker, who received her first call-up last week, has also picked up an injury. Williamson’s Arsenal team-mate Lotte Wubben-Moy and Manchester United’s Nikita Parris have been added to the 23-player squad as replacements.

England are still unbeaten under Wiegman but that record will be tested against the USA. The fixture with the world champions sold out in less than 48 hours after the Lionesses were crowned Euro winners.